Portable cooling device
Patent 6185750 Issued on February 13, 2001. Estimated Expiration Date: 
February 23, 2020. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
February 23, 2020. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 1910328 Therapeutic cooling wrap Convertible cap and cape combination Therapeutic collar Cool cap Headwear for supporting a breathing apparatus Cap with pocket for receiving neck shield Concealed compartment incorporated into head gear Sun protection device Patent #: 6029278 InventorApplicationNo. 511502 filed on 02/23/2000US Classes:2/209.13, Combined with diverse article2/171.2, With therapeutic device, medicament, or perfume2/209.12Head covering includes a crown and outwardly extending visor (e.g., baseball cap, etc.)ExaminersPrimary: Mohanty, BibhuAttorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassA42B 001/24DescriptionBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an apparatus that allows individuals to cool themselves. More particularly, the invention relates to an inexpensive and portable cooling device that allows individuals to remain cool while working in hot temperatures. It is generally known that strenuous work in hot weather conditions can cause harmful effects on one's health. It is also known that a person's work efficiency is inversely impacted by temperature, since heat causes mental and physical fatigue. As a result, as the temperature in the workplace gets hotter, the productivity of the workers decreases. Unfortunately, it is difficult for people who work outdoors to keep themselves cool, while performing their work assignments. There are occasions when one is required to perform physically strenuous work, which raises the body temperature and results in heavy perspiration that can cause dehydration. While it is possible to maintain cooler temperatures in an indoor workplace, it is difficult to ensure low temperatures while working outdoors. Many people wear caps or wide-rim hats to shield themselves from direct sunlight while working outdoors. Unfortunately, head gear merely blocks direct contact of sunlight with one's skin, while failing to ensure cooler temperatures. Thus, it is desirable to provide a mechanism that allows people to keep themselves cool, while working in high temperatures. While the prior art units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereinafter. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus that allows a person to remain cool while working in high temperatures. It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable cooling device that is easy to use and allows one to remain cool. Accordingly, the present invention provides a cooling device that comprises a pouch with ice stored therein. The cooling device has a pair of securement wings that are secured together around the user's neck, such that the cooling device provides a cool sensation to the upper portion of the user's body. To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description thereof, which is presented in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the drawing figures. FIG. 1 provides a diagrammatic perspective view of the cooling device, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 provides a side elevational view of the cooling device fitted around the user's neck. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a cooling device 10 that may be detachably fitted around a user's neck. The cooling device comprises a pouch 30 that has an interior portion 35 therein. The pouch 30 is constructed from a flexible material, such as rubber, soft plastic or cloth to ensure easy bending of the pouch so that the cooling device 10 readily fits around the user's neck. The interior portion 35 is preferably provided with a removable water-proof bag 40, which has a sealing mechanism 43. According to another embodiment, the interior portion 35 has a water-proof lining. The cooling device 10 is provided with a pair of securement wings 50 that are attached to the pouch 30. The securement wings 50 allows the user to securely fit the cooling device 10 around his neck, as shown in FIG. 2. The securement wings 50 are provided with snaps 55 that engage therebetween to securely affix the pair of securement wings 50 to each other. The securement wings are generally tapered from the pouch toward the straps to provide an optimum fit around the individual's neck. The cooling device 10 is provided with a cap attachment device 60 to allow securement of the cooling device 10 to a cap 70 worn by the user. The cap attachment device 60 is triangular in shape, having a wide base 60W which corresponds to the pouch 30, and an apex 60A. As is well known, the typical cap 70 comprises an adjustment strap 75 at its rear 70R to allows users to adjust the cap 70 to accommodate users having different size heads. At the apex 60A, the cap attachment means 60 is split into a pair of flaps 63 that secure the cooling device 10 to the adjustment strap 75 of the cap 70. To facilitate securement of the attachment means 60 to the adjustment strap 75 of the cap 70, the flaps 63 are provided with mating snap buttons 67 that are mateable to secure the flaps 63 together around the cap adjustment strap 75. Accordingly, the cap attachment device 60 is made from two fabric layers which are substantially the same size, extend parallel to each other, and are laminated together except at the apex 60A where the two layers split to form the flaps 63. According to the invention, the interior portion 35 of the pouch 30 is generally filled with ice, which cools the entire cooling device 10. The cooling device 10 reduces the temperature of the air in its immediate surroundings, and conducts heat directly from the individual wearing the cooling device 10, which provides a cool sensation to the user. In conclusion, herein is presented a cooling device which attaches around the neck of an individual, and attaches to a cap worn by that individual, to provide a cooling effect to that individual. Many specific details contained in the above description merely illustrate some preferred embodiments and should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, many other variations are possible within the spirit of the present invention. * * * * * Field of SearchHead covering includes a crown and outwardly extending visor (e.g., baseball cap, etc.)Combined with diverse article Having crown and horizontally extending brim (e.g., hat, etc.) Having crown and horizontally extending visor (e.g., baseball cap, etc.) With therapeutic device, medicament, or perfume Top of head Head, face, or neck |
